SpaceWatch Global
• Joshua Faleti
ispace signed agreements with KDDI to advance lunar communications networks and services, linking planned lunar satellites with ground stations and supporting research into surface communications. A separate agreement with Nammo is intended to strengthen ispace’s propulsion supply chain, pairing infrastructure development with a key supply-side effort.
Commercial Space
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ispace signed agreements with KDDI to advance lunar communications networks and services, linking planned lunar satellites with ground stations and supporting research into surface communications. A separate agreement with Nammo is intended to strengthen ispace’s propulsion supply chain, pairing infrastructure development with a key supply-side effort.
Spaceium is offering its OpenPort satellite-refueling interface to manufacturers for a US$1 license, aiming to widen adoption and build an orbital fuel network. The offer positions the interface as a potential common component for satellites designed to access in-space refueling.
ANA Holdings has invested in Space Quarters, which is developing technologies to build structures in space. The approach could enable designs less constrained by the dimensions of rocket fairings, though the available reports provide no details on the investment size, project milestones or intended applications.
High activity
SpaceX is preparing to attempt the first recovery of both Starship stages, catching the Super Heavy booster and spacecraft at the launch tower. The flight is also expected to carry Starlink V3 satellites, combining a major reusability test with a planned payload deployment.
High activity
AST SpaceMobile executives defended the company’s plan to develop a reusable launch vehicle, expressing confidence it can be ready to fly within two years. The timeline faces widespread skepticism, making the proposal a notable test of the company’s ability to add launch capability to its space business.
A privately funded Mars orbiter planned for launch in 2028 is expected to provide instruments with advanced computing and communications resources. The mission’s emphasis on onboard capabilities could give its payloads more capacity to process and transmit data during operations at Mars.
Seattle startup Constellation Space has launched a platform using machine learning to optimize operations for growing satellite constellations. Separately, Italian satellite systems maker Revolv Space closed a €5 million ($5.6 million) Series A, funding its motion and power-generation product development.
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